Washington column for June 13

Happy Father’s Day

Sunday is Father’s Day, and I want to start out by saying that if your father is still in your life, be very thankful.

Fathers hold a special place in a child’s life. Some fathers are involved with sports teams, outdoor games and having lots of fun, while many dads enjoy helping children learn new skills. It really doesn’t matter how dads spend time with their children, as long as they do spend time together.

A dad is a person who’s loving and kind, and often knows what we have on our mind. He listens, suggests and defends. Even when things go wrong for us, he will always be there for us. No matter what we do, a father’s love always plays a part in our life. Fathers should be remembered and appreciated not only on Father’s Day, but every day.

My dad and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on things, but he is still a special dad and I love him very much. He will always have a special place in my heart. I’d like to leave you with these words by Anne Geddes: “Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.”

WVFR breakfast

Dads are often the “Mr. Fix-It” of the family. This Sunday, bring dad to the Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue fire hall from 7 to 11 a.m. and let your local fire and rescue volunteers fix breakfast for him. Adults are $8 (10 and younger eat free). For more information, call 540-675-3615.

Bolen Cemetery clean-up

The next Bolen Cemetery clean-up and picnic is 11 a.m. June 15. Meet at the parking area at the end of Keyser Run Road. Bring a dish or drink to share and tools for light work. Any trucks to carry people and equipment would be a great help. For more information, contact Wayne Baldwin at 540-543-2590.

Wayne Baldwin notes that J. Bernard Bolen, who died in 1961, once owned the land where the Bolen Cemetery is now located. The property fell under the Condemnation Act and was taken as Virginia’s gift to the federal government in the creation of Shenandoah National Park. Although the family relocated to Page County, family and friends organize trips to the old home place at least twice a year, usually in May and September. Three of Bolen’s children are still living and keep the spirit alive with their company, says Baldwin, who has a great-grandmother, great-great-grandparents and great-great-great-grandparents buried at the cemetery.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Tamara Estes, daughter of Sheila Haun, for completing her two-year course in cosmetology and for passing the state board exam. Tamara is now a licensed cosmetologist and has a job already lined up at Logan’s Hair and Spa in Orange. Her mother is very proud of her, loves her very much and wishes her much happiness and success as she starts her new journey in life.

Sympathy

Sympathy goes out to Wanda Snead upon the death of her sister, Joyce Ann Strickler Laviness, who passed away last Thursday (June 6). A funeral service was held Monday at the Mountain Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery near Broadway, Va.

Wishes

Belated birthday wishes go out to Fran Kresber, who celebrated her special day on June 10.

Birthday wishes go out Margaret Baumgardner, who celebrates her special day tomorrow (June 14); to Louise Eastham, who celebrates her special day next Tuesday (June 18); to Steve Clatterbuck, who celebrates his day Sunday (June 16); and to my grandson, Kenneth Kain Dillon Clatterbuck, who will celebrate his day on Wednesday (June 19).

Anniversaries wishes go out to Beverly and John Sullivan, who celebrated their day last Thursday (June 6) and to Molly and Jenks Hobson, who celebrated their special day on Wednesday (June 12). Wishes also go out to Judy and John Tole, who are celebrating their anniversary tomorrow (June 14).

Relay for Life meeting

Rappahannock County Relay for Life has its closing meeting and picnic at 6 p.m. June 18 at the Rappahannock Park. Committee members, team members, relay participants past and present and anyone interested in participating are invited to attend. Bring a covered dish or snack to share. The meeting will discuss this year’s event and begin making plans for 2014. Anyone wishing to contribute funds for 2013 can still do so. For more information, call Ellen Timbers at 540-987-8402.

Tula’s open late

Washington’s newest restaurant, Tula’s Off Main, in the Kramer Building at 311 Gay St., will be open late Fridays and Saturdays (till 9 p.m.) starting this week. Open at 8 daily, Tula’s has also started selling frappes and fruit smoothies – strawberry, mango, pineapple, lemonade and four-berry.

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